Luxury Travel to the City by the Bay: A Collection of 5-Star Hotels in San Francisco

The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco

Upon entering The Ritz Carlton, we were warmly welcomed by the staff. The grand lobby exudes sophistication with its dazzling crystal chandeliers and exquisite artwork – an introduction to our stay. Checking in was a breeze as we were swiftly guided to our Deluxe Room that offered a view of Nob Hill. And because of its location, you are pretty much assured of spectacular views of the bay/city from any angle in this neo-classical building.

Every detail exudes comfort and serenity, from the inviting living area to the king bed to the elegantly adorned marble bathroom. We were pleasantly surprised with chocolates placed on pillows and soothing music to prepare us for sleep. It was such an experience!

We had a late breakfast at Parallel 37, where we savored dishes made from sourced ingredients reflecting California’s rich culinary traditions. The service was exceptional, just as we had expected. We also took advantage of the fitness center at the hotel during our stay.

Tip: By the way, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend booking a room on the Club Floor for an unforgettable, personalized experience! Don't forget to catch one of San Francisco's cable cars that stop right outside the hotel. There is also complimentary house car service, so don’t forget to avail of that if needed.

The Fairmont, San Francisco

Upon arriving at The Fairmont, we were greeted by the charm of the lobby. The hotel is about a ten-minute walk from The Ritz, if you want to know the distance between these two hotels, since both are in Nob Hill.

We checked into the Fairmont Exterior Room that offered views of the city. The room combined elegance with comfort. The beautiful marble bathroom added a touch of sophistication.

Opened in 1907, (did you know that this was the very first Fairmont hotel?) this Beaux Arts hotel has 606 rooms and suites from the comfortable 370-square feet Signature Room to the ultra-glam 6,000-square feet Penthouse Suite.

We had the pleasure of enjoying a dining experience at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar within the hotel. We indulged in a Polynesian-inspired dinner while being entertained by a band performing on a floating stage. Did you know that every 30 minutes, an indoor rainstorm simulates thunderstorm rolls? It was incredibly enjoyable! Guests are seated on a first-come first-served basis; reservations are not accepted for groups smaller than ten people.

Tip: We visited during Christmas time. I must say it's one of the best times to stay at this marvelous hotel! They have a life-sized gingerbread house on display from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. You can even dine inside it! If that doesn't interest you, you can still enjoy the holiday season with their Holiday Tea instead! This is an option for children who enjoy dressing up and indulging in pastries and sweet treats such as "krinkle” cookies. Some of their suites are even called "Santa Suites " specifically designed to evoke that festive spirit.

St Regis, San Francisco

Our check-in process at St. Regis was seamless, thanks to the concierge. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted with a glass of champagne and personally escorted to our Metropolitan Suite. The suite exudes elegance with its furnished interiors and stunning views of both the city skyline and San Francisco Bay. One particular highlight was the bathroom, featuring a soaking tub. Such a great way to relax after a day of exploring!

The hotel hosts around 260 hotel rooms and suites from the lovely 700-square feet Deluxe Room to the massive 3,200 square feet Presidential Suite.

We also had brunch at Astra, which is located in the lobby. Everyone was attentive to our needs. And let me tell you, I've never seen such happy staff before! They always wore smiles and were eager to make our stay memorable. This was easily one of my favorite hotels in San Francisco.

What impressed us was their dedicated 24-hour butler service that ensured all our needs were taken care of promptly throughout our stay. The personalized attention and impeccable level of detail made us feel truly refreshed and pampered. I'm really excited for our next visit! Note that the pool and spa are under renovation and will be completed by late 2023/early 2024.

Tip: The hotel is conveniently located near museums such as the SF Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of the African Diaspora and The Contemporary Jewish Museum. You can expect to see a lot of art collections tastefully curated throughout the hotel. You'll also find the Yerba Buena Gardens nearby.

The Four Seasons, San Francisco

We decided to stay at The Four Seasons for our next getaway. This is about a six-minute walk from St. Regis, if you want to know the distance between these two hotels, since both are in the Financial District. Checking in was a breeze. We were delighted to find ourselves in a Deluxe City View Room with a view of San Francisco’s skyline. The room has a blend of elegance and spaciousness with a seating area. The luxurious marble bathroom has both a soaking tub and a separate shower.

The hotel offers around 277 hotel rooms from the spacious 460-square feet Deluxe Room to the luxurious 300-square-foot Presidential Suite.

One of the highlights was dining at MKT Restaurant & Bar, where we had savory dishes. The talented mixologists at the hotel crafted cocktails for us too. We also treated ourselves to some relaxation time at The Spa at Equinox offered by the hotel. It's worth mentioning how much we appreciated the attention to detail and thoughtful gestures from the staff—calling us by our names and always having pens ready when needed.

Tip: This hotel boasts a location that you'll surely appreciate. It’s conveniently located near shopping centers and Union Square, so make sure to put on your walking shoes! We were able to walk from the hotel (about ten minutes only!) to Curran Theater to watch a show.

However, don’t confuse this location on Market Street (more family/tourist-friendly) with another Four Seasons at Embarcadero (more business/couple-oriented).

During our time in San Francisco, we made sure to explore some of the city's attractions. We were captivated by the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, visited Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf and even had the chance to ride on the cable cars. We also strolled through neighborhoods like Chinatown and North Beach, where we savored food and enjoyed some shopping.

Our stay at these 5-star hotels in San Francisco was truly unforgettable. They exceeded all our expectations with their luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining choices and impeccable service. Coupled with San Francisco’s culture and stunning scenery, these trips turned into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will forever remain etched in our memories. Each hotel provided us with moments of luxury that contributed to an unforgettable journey. We departed with a deep appreciation for the city’s hospitality and wonderful people.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to San Francisco. In need of further inspiration? Check out Phoebe Pierce‘s guide, 5-Day Adventure Itinerary in San Francisco